Two dead in Taunton plane crash

TAUNTON — Two people died in a plane crash at the Taunton Municipal Airport Sunday, according to a press release.

TAUNTON — Two people died in a plane crash at the Taunton Municipal Airport Sunday, according to a press release.

The small aircraft crashed on departure near Westcoat Drive shortly after 6:10 a.m. and resulted in two fatalities. The victims are tentatively identified as pilot John Schmouth, 69, of Brockton and passenger Roland Deslauriers, 61, of Bridgewater, according to a press release from the District Attorney's Office.

Taunton Fire Department units responded to put out a fire.

State, local and federal officials are investigating the crash include the state Department of Transportation Aeronautics, the Federal Aviation Administration, Massachusetts State Police, Taunton police and fire, and the state medical examiner. These agencies will be coordinating the investigation with the National Transportation Safety Board, according to the MassDOT release.